Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hi all, been a little while since I checked in but good to see everyone is still coping with the process and some of you are moving forward. Grant, must be exciting to be just about on your way. No news from Kim and Russ I see, here's hoping they're having a fantastic time after the wedding and we'll get some pics soon. For those of you that are worrying about driving over here, I think that once you've been doing it a little while it feels fine. It's actually not that scary driving on the other side of the road, because you sit on the other side of the car, so that still feels right. What I have the most trouble with is turning, at first I was muttering 'stay right' under my breath as it's tempting to want to turn over to the wrong lane. The four way stop signs always give me a shudder too. But I'm getting used to the 'whoever gets their first goes first' rule. I've even driven up to San Francisco which is about an hour and a half from where I live. As an update, I too was planning a life of leisure and looking forward to some time off but I soon found myself going stir crazy. I've got a two week temp job as a secretary/receptionist just to fill in time and give me a little bit of extra money. I'm going to start my serious job searching after that. I'm looking at a commute though which after living 10 minutes from my workplace is going to be tough. I've had a few moments of homesickness, and I've definitely started to notice differences between NZ and the USA. I've visited many times but living here is just different.	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-21 19:47:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Kim pictures would be great. Here's hoping for good weather for you. Kiwiana - the practical was surpisingly easy. I too was dreading a parrallel park because of having to do everything the wrong way around. I didn't have to do that but I did have to reverse alongside a curb. I looked over the wrong shoulder (my left) while doing so, old habits die hard! The things that I got wrong were my hand signals, I hadn't read that part of the guide! Also I stopped too close to other vehicles at intersections, you have to leave 6 ft between the cars or you get a mark against you each time. All in all it was pretty simple, I didn't have to go on the freeway as I live in a small town and it takes 20 minutes to get to the freeway. I had to do lane changes, show where everything was located in the car like wipers, lights, emergency light etc, and lots of driving around, with many stop signs and interseactions included. I sat my NZ license quite a while back but I'm sure this test was easier.	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-13 11:41:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hi all, well, it's a strange feeling not having anything left to do until I have to file for my 10 year card in 2 years time. I have my green card, my SSN and passed my CA drivers license. It wasn't a difficult test and I've been driving every visit so it was more just nerves to have someone in the car watching my every move, rather than it being tricky. Yankiwi - sounds like you're moving not too far away from where I'm located, the weather here the last couple of days has been lovely though there was a bit of a heat wave last week where it was around 36 degrees celsius and I thought I might cook! Good luck to everyone, I'm sure all those K1 approvals are just around the corner. Kim and Russ, have a great wedding celebration, after all this time, enjoy it!	kelzm	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-09 23:37:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Well it finally arrived today........ I have the much sought after K1 visa inside my passport and in my hand One huge sigh of relief on my part A relatively painless process (except on the pocket....lol).......it's just the waiting that's a killer November 28th .....here I come	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-11-06 01:27:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Just checked the track and trace on the "package"......for about the millionth time and finally it says it was picked up at 2.38pm today I'm gonna save the big dance till I open it and see the foil sticker with my own eyes.....then it stops being a dream	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-11-04 22:41:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Thanks so much....It still feels like a bit of a dream......but a wonderful one	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-11-02 04:51:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Nov 1 2008, 12:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> btw Kim and chris: hope the interview went ok!! Well the interview went ok, I got there about half an hour early and there was only one other person ahead of me. The officer that took the interview was I think the blonde girl that others have mentioned. She was running a bit late so I didn't get called until about 30mins after my initial apt time, but it was ok. She was lovely and chatty, asking many questions about chris and I as she went through our paper work....it just felt like a conversation rather than an interview. I was told i should have my "package" as soon as my police check has come back, and with not having any kind of record, that should be soon. I'm so glad the paperwork part's over for now.........I have a flight booked for Nov 28, and that gives me a few weeks to concentrate on getting rid of belongings, (I had my first ever garage sale yesterday) and packing up stuff to fill my two suitcases and the packing crate that my son will send over when we relocate to SF in the spring....I plan on filling the crate with lots of edibles as well btw.....lol	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-11-01 21:08:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 26 2008, 02:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi folks!! Hope you are all having a lovely weekend (a long one if in NZ with Labour day) It's pretty much windy city here in Auckland today! KimandRuss: how did it go at social security? Did Russell get a ssn? hope it all went smoothly. cdneh: I have an appointment on tuesday at central police station for fingerprints for Aussie police check. Do you have to pay a fee for the fingerprints? amaciar and Kim: thanks for the tips with milo. I guess i could take a tin of milo with me when i leave At least they do have hot chocolate over there as a substitute. All the hassles and stress we all have, going through K1 process and i am worried about MILO!! Kiwiana - don't worry.....With all the red tape and processes we've been going through over the last few months, I've still managed to be worried about my fave foods I'm going to have to do without, and trying to find out if i can get them there.......lol...how will i live without twisties Anyway.........I have a more immediate concern.....my interview is on Tuesday morning at 9.45...... I received a phone call on Friday morning from a woman at the consulate kind of telling me off for not sending back my paperwork sooner!!!.....I would have sent it straight back if it wasn't for the small matter of having to sign a declaration stating that i have all my paperwork for the interview......which I didn't as Chris' papers took 20 days to arrive....gotta love the postal service ....I really didn't feel comfortable saying I had them when I didn't. If I'd sent them straight back and had gotten an interview reasonably quickly...I would have been in deep you know what....lol Anyway .....she was more concerned that the police check was going to take 2-3 weeks .......so I'm to have the interview and then will have to wait for the police check before i can get the final yes or no. I have a flight tentatively booked on Nov 28 so it should still be in plenty of time so I'm not stressing about it. ALL my paperwork is gathered and up to date ..............so I'm raring to go.......lol	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-26 05:27:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 18 2008, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Oct 17 2008, 05:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The medical went ok.....Got there about 20 mins early and Dr Stone took me in more or less straight away.....the initial medical only took about 10-15 mins so I was out of there before the actual apt time....lol The x-ray and blood test were down the road further but not that far. $125 for the medical, $50 for a tetanus shot, $80 for the x-ray and $31 for the blood test....$286 all up. Allowing for driving between locations the whole thing took about 2 hours. Since you have to sign to say you have all your paperwork for the interview I thought it best not to send back package 3 yet as i'm still waiting for the forms from my SO in the U.S. Never had a problem with the post in the past, but of all times for it to take the slow route, it would have to be now , I'm sure they won't be too far off but I would def get them fed-ex'd or similar if i was doing it now. Kiwiana: God you're good, I've worked all my life, with the exception of a couple of years off having my son. This year has been a very eventful and somewhat stressful one in part, so I'm planning on taking all my favourite dvd's and some books and having an initial period of time off to relax and recharge the batteries while waiting for EAD. With all the sorting and selling things off and everything else that goes along with a monumentous move like this, the thought of time off is about all that's holding me together right now... ..........LOL Probably practice my driving too, drove earlier in the year when i was there, took a bit of getting used to.....lol Thats good that the medical only took like 10-15mins. For women, does the doctor do a full medical (like breast check, cervical smear check?) or does he just do the usual checks like blood pressure etc? I know a few here have already mentioned their medicals, but i know Grant and Russell wouldn't have had the breast/cervical checks LOL! so am just curious. Anyway,it's great to know that the medical all went well and that you only needed a tetanus shot. The fees do seem to vary with everyone, depending on what shots are required etc. It certainly sounds like you will need a well deserved rest once you get there The driving part for me will also take a bit of getting used to, as i have never driven over there I can imagine my SO will want to get a megaphone to alert upcoming and oncoming drivers that there is a KIWI loose on the road!! LOL!! I went and saw Dr Stone in Remuera as Russell's review said he only took about 10 mins or so and he was reasonably priced....and he was right. I also read on here that someone who went to one of the medical centres in town had a thorough going over including checking out down below and i couldn't be bothered with all that. He just asked about any existing medical conditions etc, he tested my reflexes, blood pressure, checked my throat, listened to my chest, lungs etc, and just pressed on my abdomen to feel for anything amiss. I mentioned that i'd recently had a smear and he said they're not really interested too much in that. That was about it. Luckily enough I'll be in a smallish town for a while so driving isn't so bad, but we're hoping to move to San Franciso in the northern spring. We were there checking a few places out in April just gone and there's no way I'd want to be driving there without a heck of a lot of practice under my belt....lol	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-18 05:40:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 15 2008, 08:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> kelzm: whew! thank goodness there was no parallel parking! Thanks for telling us about the test! It must feel strange driving on the other side of the road. Does it take long to get use to it? It's something that i haven't done over there yet. dlopez86: Good to hear the medical went ok. Wow! it's pretty expensive eh? Do you have a date set for the interview? Kim & Chris: Hope the medical went well. If you find time, we'd love to hear about it all. Kim and Russell: All the best for the BIG day! Don't forget to show us a pic of the wedding!! The medical went ok.....Got there about 20 mins early and Dr Stone took me in more or less straight away.....the initial medical only took about 10-15 mins so I was out of there before the actual apt time....lol The x-ray and blood test were down the road further but not that far. $125 for the medical, $50 for a tetanus shot, $80 for the x-ray and $31 for the blood test....$286 all up. Allowing for driving between locations the whole thing took about 2 hours. Since you have to sign to say you have all your paperwork for the interview I thought it best not to send back package 3 yet as i'm still waiting for the forms from my SO in the U.S. Never had a problem with the post in the past, but of all times for it to take the slow route, it would have to be now , I'm sure they won't be too far off but I would def get them fed-ex'd or similar if i was doing it now. Kiwiana: God you're good, I've worked all my life, with the exception of a couple of years off having my son. This year has been a very eventful and somewhat stressful one in part, so I'm planning on taking all my favourite dvd's and some books and having an initial period of time off to relax and recharge the batteries while waiting for EAD. With all the sorting and selling things off and everything else that goes along with a monumentous move like this, the thought of time off is about all that's holding me together right now... ..........LOL Probably practice my driving too, drove earlier in the year when i was there, took a bit of getting used to.....lol Edited by Kim & Chris, 17 October 2008 - 05:07 AM.	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-17 05:06:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (dlopez86 @ Oct 14 2008, 11:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> We had our medical yesterday and when we gave the receptionists our form she told us what we should fill in, because we weren't sure either. We were also told we don't need the x-ray for the interview but we need to bring it with us to America. Our medical ended up being $551 because my wife needed three shots. We are just glad that part is over though. Yikes $551.....thanks for the heads up.....I'll make sure to take plenty of cash with me.......and thanks for the reassurance on the forms	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-14 12:10:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hi guys.....I have the dreaded medical tomorrow afternoon with Dr Stone. Just a couple of questions though...... How much of the DS -2053 and the other forms do you have to fill in yourself or is it all done there with them..........Also, You keep the x-ray to take with you to the states, is that right Been trying to find where I'd read it on here but I've run outta time....last minute being my middle name If anyone is lurking on here through the night or what's left of this evening, I'd be grateful for any help Cheers Kim	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-14 04:32:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (amaciar @ Oct 10 2008, 02:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Oct 9 2008, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Quick question before bedtime....... I've got to send off my packet 3 returns to the consulate tomorrow....I'm sure i read somewhere that DS-230 part II is not signed and i take it in with me to the interview......can someone just confirm that for me please......it doesn't mention it in the list of things I have to take in and my brains too tired tonight to rake through here to try and find the info Thanks Kim Part two you won't need til the interview. Hold onto it. Thankyou	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-09 12:00:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Quick question before bedtime....... I've got to send off my packet 3 returns to the consulate tomorrow....I'm sure i read somewhere that DS-230 part II is not signed and i take it in with me to the interview......can someone just confirm that for me please......it doesn't mention it in the list of things I have to take in and my brains too tired tonight to rake through here to try and find the info Thanks Kim	Kim & Chris	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-09 05:16:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hey guys I know they sell milo at walmart in statesville nc, saw it there when i was visiting Rob and..... we're 227 on Igor's list, hehe, i am excited, taking into account cdneh's calculations of duplicates and dormants that makes us 199 hehe silly how excited i am over that and how depressed i'll be if/when we head back the other way.	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-25 23:21:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	External check on the genital area? wha?? really?	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-18 04:17:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	wow dlopez and kimandchris, i had no idea you guys were so close to the home stretch, well done, i'm very envious but still happy for you kim and russ i hope you have a wonderful and magical day and that it's everything you dreamt of and hoped for kelzm thank you for all the info on your drivers test etc, such necessary stuff i hadn't even begun to think about still hanging in there, no touches, i'm hoping processing at vermont and california will speed up after the election	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-14 23:36:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 12 2008, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Michelle.S @ Oct 11 2008, 11:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> haha i was too quick, i'll keep looking too. it seems the main dmv site for NC (ncdot i think is what it is called) is down. Their links don't appear to be working. That is where the free handbook would be too. that sucks! Have they all left town for the weekend and can't fix their site? LOL! will have to keep trying their site over the coming week and see if they get it up and running again. thanks for trying, i'll try the main site in a day or two, see if they've fixed it.	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-11 23:45:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	haha i was too quick, i'll keep looking too.	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-11 23:20:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 12 2008, 05:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Michelle try this link: http://www.welcometo...com/nc-dmv-.asp looks like there is a free download of the drivers handbook there. thanks for that, funny it's off a real estate website, smart of them tho.	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-11 23:18:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 12 2008, 04:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> my apologises. i meant to say Kim and chris and lisa and tim at end of last post (got the names mixed up lol) i'm not surprised, there's quite a few of us now am hanging in there but going from stalking the forums and igor's list to not wanting to go near either cos it's all too depressing and omg i never even thought about parrallel parking on the wrong side of the road, eek something new to worry about i did go searching for the handbook for North Carolina but couldn't seem to find a free one, everyone wanted me to pay them so i decided to keep looking.	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-11 22:52:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 8 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes...I went to my Doctor for that test, and then straight to medlab with the bit of paper. Cost me nearly $300..but I did find out all I needed was the tetanus. Canada keeps school records..but when you are as old as I am..well... We're going backwards too, and I can't get my head around that. It seems every time the list shows an approval we go the wrong way. ...and I was really quite discouraged tonight to read that someone got a noa2...who MET their partner for the FIRST time nearly three weeks after we filed. How they heck does that happen, if it is meant to be first in first out? It's so discouraging, tho i've decided to keep busy and take on Kiwiana's suggestions about the drivers test and my cv etc, that should keep me out of trouble	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-08 02:36:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 8 2008, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> double post *ack* you should try for the triple, i hear you get more points for that hehehe	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-08 02:15:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (cdneh @ Oct 8 2008, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 8 2008, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Oct 7 2008, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello again. Was just wondering if there's anything we can do between the time of the NOA1 and NOA2? I was reading some of you got fingerprinted and up to date on shots. Can/should we do that while we wait? If your fiance has lived overseas at any time (usually between 6 months to a year or more there) since the age of 16 then he will need a police check from that country. If he hasn't then I think the US embassy here in Auckland does it for him for the New Zealand police check (is that correct? anyone?) If you are a Kiwi, and need the NZ equivalent of a police check, or even in my case I only live in NZ, the embassy in Auckland does the NZ police check for you . I have read they won't accept ones you get for yourself. I downloaded the correct paperwork, but as it won't be accepted I never submitted it. QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 8 2008, 07:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lisaandtim @ Oct 7 2008, 01:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello again. Was just wondering if there's anything we can do between the time of the NOA1 and NOA2? I was reading some of you got fingerprinted and up to date on shots. Can/should we do that while we wait? If your fiance has lived overseas at any time (usually between 6 months to a year or more there) since the age of 16 then he will need a police check from that country. If he hasn't then I think the US embassy here in Auckland does it for him for the New Zealand police check (is that correct? anyone?) If you are a Kiwi, and need the NZ equivalent of a police check, or even in my case I only live in NZ, the embassy in Auckland does the NZ police check for you . I have read they won't accept ones you get for yourself. I downloaded the correct paperwork, but as it won't be accepted I never submitted it. thanks for that Kate, i was wondering, i haven't lived anywhere else other than Auckland and i thought i read somewhere that the consulate does it for us. Another thing i wanted to ask about was the titre? test, do we go to our doctor for that? Do you think once the elections are over processing will speed up again? and I really don't understand why we're going backwards on Igor's List, going backwards seems to indicate that people are getting in ahead of us and i don't understand that	Michelle Kauffman	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-08 02:13:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	My husband has warned his Dad that he will need to send us over Choysa Tea every few months. Haven't found any decent tea here yet. Nic also misses pies and I miss purple kumara it only took three years to get hooked on it. Ohh and Nic is always dissappointed when he buys chocolate here. Milo is kinda light maybe you can jam a tin in one of your bags. You will eventually get the four way stops. It is kinda first come first serve Edited by amaciar, 22 October 2008 - 08:30 AM.	amaciar	Not Telling	New Zealand	2008-10-22 08:28:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Congrats Kim and Russ. Great weather for a fall wedding too.	amaciar	Not Telling	New Zealand	2008-10-18 14:21:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	The doctor in Wellington was very thorough. Our appointment was about 45 minutes not including the blood tests and X-Ray. He checked my husbands reflexes, eyes, made a list of all his scars asked about all immunizations and wouldn't trust that they had been done unless there was written proof and he was pretty expensive. I know I have said it before but if you the Doctor in Auckland sounds more reasonable. Ohh yeah and the doctor wouldn't give him the shots he needed so he had to make a seperate appointment when we were back in his hometown for those which was yet another step.	amaciar	Not Telling	New Zealand	2008-10-18 14:19:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Oct 9 2008, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Quick question before bedtime....... I've got to send off my packet 3 returns to the consulate tomorrow....I'm sure i read somewhere that DS-230 part II is not signed and i take it in with me to the interview......can someone just confirm that for me please......it doesn't mention it in the list of things I have to take in and my brains too tired tonight to rake through here to try and find the info Thanks Kim Part two you won't need til the interview. Hold onto it.	amaciar	Not Telling	New Zealand	2008-10-09 08:58:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Kiwiana We were allowed 2 suitcases for the kids each as well, so even though we were over the weight limit, I managed to convince them that we didn't need to be charged anything extra. I was quite happy to pay the extra, so it was all good. I have spent a fair proportion of today talking to recruiting agents, according to them, there is plenty of work in the fields that I am looking, so it sounds promising. I have meetings with two of them next week, and should have another couple confirmed tomorrow. Cheers Grant	gshennen	Male	New Zealand	2008-10-28 21:05:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hello All Just wanting everyone to know that we made it. I have been without internet access for a few days, but have that sorted now. We had the flight from hell, our 21 month old refused to sleep on the plane, and cried and screamed the entire flight (we weren't very popular amongst the other passengers). But we made it eventually. Customs was a breeze (we flew to San Francisco). I was the only person in the New Immigrant line, and I told the guy that the screaming kids at the other end of the arrivals hall were mine, he took pity on me, and I was processed very quickly and welcomed to the USA. The fact that I also was covered in baby food from head to foot probably helped me get more pity as well. As we had so many bags (we had 8 large over sized and weight bags...which were all accepted by Air NZ), a SF airport official arranged a porter to take all of our bags for us - this was a lifesaver. We seemed to bypass everything and next thing we were through and on the road south. We stayed in a town called Gilroy for a night, and then travelled to Brook's parents the next day. We are currently in Coarsegold, CA, where Brook's parents retired to. It is in the foothills of the Yosemite Mountains, about 40 minutes NE of Fresno. It is quite remote, and their place has wild deer and quails wandering through the yard. The weather is magic, and after 5 days we are all pretty well aclimatised (it was hard to get the kids aclimatised and back onto schedule - however today went like clockwork). However tomorrow, I have to start the job hunting proper. We are still looking at either the Bay Area or Sacramento. Hope everyone else is doing well, and making progress. Cheers Grant	gshennen	Male	New Zealand	2008-10-27 22:14:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hi All Been a while since I have posted, so I thought i'd catch everyone up with our progress. Firstly congratulations to Kim and Russ. I also hope that everyone else is making progress as well. Today we moved out of our house and into a hotel for the last few days. We have now sold all the bits and pieces that we wanted to sell on trademe (the remaining bits will be picked up in the next day or so). We have 80% packed anything we wanted to keep into storage, with the remainder to go in tomorrow and tuesday. I am also unemployed for the first time in my life (I finished up my last two projects on Friday) - although have a bit of freelance stuff I can carry on with for a couple of clients here, once I am in the US. It is hard to believe that we are only three days away from leaving. Brook's father has come over to give us a hand for the last few days and will head back with us, makes it easier with the two kids. It is has not been all that easy getting prepared. Last weekend the remaining car we kept hold of broke down in the middle of nowhere up the Coromandel with us all in, and in the end had to get back to Auckland on a tow truck (also with the auction on trade me closing for it last Tuesday). But got it fixed and sold without too much drame. Also Brook got hospitalised in the early hours of this morning with severe food poisoning. They kept her till about lunchtime pumped her with fluids and she seems to be on the mend. Made for an interesting and stressful morning, as the house was getting emptied (my mates were brilliant and took care of it all for me without me lifting a finger in the end, and left me to look after Ash and Clay). So again, very stressful all round, and the last thing we needed, but we have come through the other side. Anyway, it must be my bed time, again hope everyone is well, and making progress. I may not post again before we arrive in CA, but will update everyone then. Cheers Grant	gshennen	Male	New Zealand	2008-10-19 02:42:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (Kim & Chris @ Nov 2 2008, 03:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well the interview went ok, I got there about half an hour early and there was only one other person ahead of me. The officer that took the interview was I think the blonde girl that others have mentioned. She was running a bit late so I didn't get called until about 30mins after my initial apt time, but it was ok. She was lovely and chatty, asking many questions about chris and I as she went through our paper work....it just felt like a conversation rather than an interview. I was told i should have my "package" as soon as my police check has come back, and with not having any kind of record, that should be soon. I'm so glad the paperwork part's over for now.........I have a flight booked for Nov 28, and that gives me a few weeks to concentrate on getting rid of belongings, (I had my first ever garage sale yesterday) and packing up stuff to fill my two suitcases and the packing crate that my son will send over when we relocate to SF in the spring....I plan on filling the crate with lots of edibles as well btw.....lol Yay!! Congrats on the interview going well! The blonde woman is so nice, isn't she? You could almost forget she was a Consular Officer...except for your entire life's history sitting in the folder she's got in her hands! LOL I'm sure your stuff will come through in plenty of time for your flight and you'll be in the States right after Thanksgiving! Just in time for all the turkey leftovers...mmmm....yum.	yankiwi	Female	New Zealand	2008-11-03 05:25:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Congratulations Kim and Russ!! I know, a little late with that one, but better late than never! I gather we're still waiting for wedding pics, but if you're anything like me, there are a million other things to do besides upload pictures! My brother got back to the US after coming to NZ for our wedding and posted pictures of it before I got any up 'cause I kept forgetting to post them! LOL Grant, glad to hear you've all made it to the US in one piece! I always feel so bad for babies on long flights because the change in air pressure is torture for their little ears. I think I feel even worse for their parents though, since some fellow passengers can make you feel awful about a situation you can't really control. When we fly in I think we're going to aim for POE San Fransisco after hearing all the good feedback from everyone going through there lately! Sure does sound a bit quieter than LAX... Just when I thought we were done with getting paperwork notarised for a while my absentee ballot showed up, so I got to run around trying to get it sorted! The Justice of the Peace who notarised it found the whole process rather fascinating. I must say I'm really going to miss the cheerful assistance we've received every time we've gone to the Citizens Advice Bureau here! I can't believe November is here already, any day now I'm sure some of you will be seeing NOA2's!! Oh, and I know someone said hot chocolate works in a pinch as a sub for Milo, but what about trying Ovaltine or Nesquik? Those are what I thought of the first time I had Milo...both are a little more solid than hot cocoa mix.	yankiwi	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-31 05:40:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Hey all! Looks like things have been busy around here! Life has been a bit hectic for us, but that's a good thing, right? Chris just took a contract job with a company in California that will last for the rest of our time here in NZ and may turn into a full time job offer when we're ready to move to the US in January/February, so that was unexpected and exciting! It's in the Silicon Valley area, but I'm hoping maybe they can arrange some sort of telecommuting thing so we can be flexible about where to live, rent is brutal in that area. I should be sorting through things in the house so it doesn't get left 'til the last minute (since things always come up around the holidays anyway), but instead my brain and time have been stuck in other things, mainly politics. LOL Grant- Hope you and your family have a safe trip to the US! Best of luck with settling in and adjusting to US life, I hear the weather in the Bay area is a lot like Auckland, so at least that won't be a total surprise. Any news on the job hunt? I think once you're over there you'll find something rather quickly. Kim and Russ- I'm so glad you guys are together and getting ready for your wedding! I wish you all the best for your special day. Oh, and you'll post a picture so we can get all teary eyed over it, right?	yankiwi	Female	New Zealand	2008-10-09 05:38:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	My wife said that they only did breast check and did an external check on the genital area. She made sure to get a Women Dr. cause there was no way she was gonna see a male for that kinda stuff.	dlopez86	Male	New Zealand	2008-10-18 04:09:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Yep it's expensive, she needed the Cervical Cancer Shot and that costs $170 and the other two shots were $90 for both. We were there for about two hours maybe more because the Dr. was running late. We received the X-ray today which I thought was very fast. Our interview is November 13th at 9:30am, we are very excited/nervous but we think everything will go ok and be approved.	dlopez86	Male	New Zealand	2008-10-15 08:29:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	We had our medical yesterday and when we gave the receptionists our form she told us what we should fill in, because we weren't sure either. We were also told we don't need the x-ray for the interview but we need to bring it with us to America. Our medical ended up being $551 because my wife needed three shots. We are just glad that part is over though.	dlopez86	Male	New Zealand	2008-10-14 05:29:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	QUOTE (kiwiana @ Oct 11 2008, 07:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Bobsagetti: has your EAD arrived yet? Hi everyone, It's been a busy past few weeks so I've only just checked back on here. Congrats to all of you who are making progress and also to Kim and Russ who are probably married by now. Yes the EAD finally arrived about three weeks ago. Less than a week later Jasmine got offered a job in Virginia so we've just spent 10 days driving across the country and are now settling in here. I really like being close to DC as there's lots to see and do. They sure do have real winters though, not like southern Cal where we've been. So now that we're settled I'm ramping up the job hunting and hope to get something this side of Xmas. Good luck to the rest of you who are still waiting.	bobsagetti	Not Telling	New Zealand	2008-10-19 10:03:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	Many of the forms can be downloaded but there are a few that the Embassy wants you to use theirs. I think Russell put it all in his review? Yeah, he had lots of passport photos left over so it is less than was recommended in the past. NVC to Embassy using DHL... Go here... http://track.dhl-usa...?nav=TrackByRef EXP 07 NOV 2008A <---- this should be about one day before the NVC tells you it left. Below in the "shipment pick up date range" put the day NVC told you it left as start and finish. You may need to play with these dates a bit but that is what normally works.	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2008-11-26 11:33:00
Australia and New Zealand	NEW ZEALANDers heading to the US and their USC spouses - POST HERE!	cdneh...congratulations!!!! you're next michelle. So nice to see you folks moving along!	KimandRuss	Female	New Zealand	2008-11-25 14:20:00